Conception and characterization of a multi-sensitive composite chitosan-red marine alga-polysaccharide hydrogels for insulin controlled-release.

Hydrogels properties open up many possibilities for medical applications. In the present study, protein drug insulin was selected as a model drug to test the in vitro release behavior of hydrogels based on blue crab chitosan (Cs) and red marine macroalga Falkenbergia rufolanosa polysaccharide (FRP). The FRP/Cs composed hydrogels were characterized in terms of structural, morphological, thermal and antioxidant properties. Data revealed that FRP addition enhanced the water holding capacity and the water uptake percentages, as well as the textural behavior. Moreover, the prepared hydrogels are simultaneous sensitive to pH, ionic strength and temperature as demonstrated in the swelling ratio test. Additionally, hydrogels at pH 1.2 PBS underwent greater degradation, compared to samples immersed in pH 7.4 PBS. Similarly, the kinetics of insuline release, through the FRP/Cs composed hydrogels exhibited higher released amounts in acidic systems. Through this study, the prepared hydrogels provided suitable and promising microenvironment in drugs delivery.

Extraction, characterization and biological properties of polysaccharide derived from green seaweed "Chaetomorpha linum" and its potential application in Tunisian beef sausages.

A novel polysaccharide extracted from green algae Chaetomorpha linum (PS) was characterized, using infrared spectroscopy, HPLC-FID, gel filtration high-pressure chromatography, thin layer chromatography and spectrum visible UV. Natural antioxidant potential of PS was evaluated based on DPPH free radical, ferrous iron-chelating, ß carotene bleaching inhibition activities and DNA nicking assay. Functional properties were estimated based on Water Holding Capacity (WHC), Oil Holding Capacity (OHC), emulsifying activity and foaming ability. Overall, data showed attractive chemical, functional and biological properties with an antioxidant capacity of PS in beef sausages during storage for 12 days. Indeed, as compared to standard formulation (with addition of vitamin C), samples formulated with PS presented lower values in terms of lipid oxidation (TBARS, MetMb), while preserving color properties compared with untreated samples. Furthermore, lower changes in pH, moisture, and the highest values of heme iron were obtained. Successful inhibition of microbial proliferation was proved. Endowed with high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, PS could thus be used as a natural conservative in functional foods.

Therapeutic potential of polysaccharide extracted from fenugreek seeds against thiamethoxam-induced hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity in Wistar adult rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a polysaccharide extracted from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) (FWEP) against insecticide-thiamethoxam (TMX)-induced hepatotoxicity. Obtained data exhibited potent antioxidant and antibacterial potentialities. On other trend, in vivo, adult female rats were divided into four groups: controls; TMX (100 mg/kg of body weight); TMX + FWEP at two graded doses, respectively (100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight) for 30 d. Up to TMX treatment, our data showed a significant increase in plasma markers of hepatotoxicity including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, which is coordinated with decline in total protein and albumin levels. Remarkably, a clear sign of genotoxicity was delivered by total disruption in hematological parameters and micronucleus (MN) test shown by severe chromatin degradation. These data were also associated with oxidative stress set up, histological and DNA injuries. However, co-administration with FWEP succeeded significantly in a dose-dependent manner in reducing and healing liver's hematological and genotoxic induced by TMX injuries.

Polysaccharide from a Tunisian red seaweed Chondrus canaliculatus: Structural characteristics, antioxidant activity and in vivo hemato-nephroprotective properties on maneb induced toxicity.

The present study aims to investigate the physicochemical and the structural features of polysaccharide isolated from the red marine macro alga Chondrus canaliculatus (C.C.P) using FT-IR, gel filtration high-pressure chromatograph, HPLC-FID and solid state 13C NMR analysis. C.C.P was even more tested in vitro for its potential antioxidant properties and in vivo for its hemato-nephroprotective effects against fungicide - maneb (MB) - induced toxicity. Animals treated for 20 days were allocated into six groups per six rats each: group 1 served as vehicle control, group 2 received MB, group 3 received MB + C.C.P (100 mg/kg), group 4 MB + C.C.P (200 mg/kg), group 5 and 6 used as a positive control groups receiving only C.C.P; one 100 and the other 200 mg/kg, respectively. After MB injection, our data displayed a significant disruption in all hematological parameters associated with clear signs of nephrotoxicity. However, co-treatment with C.C.P at two graded doses led to an effective healing process against MB's hematological, biochemical, and histological kidney's oxidative injuries. In summary, our data suggest that C.C.P could be a prospective potent antioxidant, nephro and hemato-protective agent.

Potassium Bromate-induced Changes in the Adult Mouse Cerebellum Are Ameliorated by Vanillin.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to elucidate the effect of vanillin on behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes induced by potassium bromate (KBrO3), an environmental pollutant, in the cerebellum of adult mice. METHODS: The animals were divided into four groups: group 1 served as a control, group 2 received KBrO3, group 3 received KBrO3 and vanillin, and group 4 received only vanillin. We then measured behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and molecular and histological changes in the cerebellum. RESULTS: We observed significant behavioral changes in KBrO3-exposed mice. When investigating redox homeostasis in the cerebellum, we found that mice treated with KBrO3 had increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in the cerebellum. These effects were accompanied by decreased Na+-K+ and Mg2+ ATPase activity and antioxidant enzyme gene expression when compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant increase in cytokine gene expression in KBrO3-treated mice. Microscopy revealed that KBrO3 intoxication resulted in numerous degenerative changes in the cerebellum that were substantially ameliorated by vanillin supplementation. Co-administration of vanillin blocked the biochemical and molecular anomalies induced by KBrO3. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that vanillin is a potential therapeutic agent for oxidative stress associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Cytoprotective Effects of the Red Marine Alga Chondrus canaliculatus Against Maneb-Induced Hematotoxicity and Bone Oxidative Damages in Adult Rats.

The current study aimed at evaluating the ability of a mineral and antioxidant-rich extract from Chondrus canaliculatus to improve maneb (MB)-induced toxicity in adult rat. The animals were divided into four groups: group 1 used as a control group, group 2 received MB, group 3 received MB + C. canaliculatus extract, and group 4 received only the algal extract. MB, a Mn-containing ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate fungicide, induced oxidative stress damages, mineral perturbations in the plasma, urine, and bone, and genotoxicity in rats. Hematological analysis revealed in the MB-treated group a disruption in the number of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells associated with a striking genotoxicity. Interestingly, a significant increase in malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein product levels in erythrocytes and bones were found. On the other hand, an impairment of the antioxidant status in both tissues was occurred. Along, our results revealed that MB injection caused a striking drop and disruption in bone's mineral rates, especially calcium and phosphorus. These biochemical results were in accordance with the histological and molecular changes. However, co-treatment with C. canaliculatus extract showed, for the first time, that this alga was effective against MB-induced hematotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress in the blood and bone and maintained osteomineral metabolism and bone histo-architecture. Such observations might be explained by the strong in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities exhibited by the alga, as well as by its high levels in several minerals: calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Potential protective effects of polysaccharide extracted from Ulva lactuca against male reprotoxicity induced by thiacloprid.

CONTEXT: Polysaccharides (PSs) from seaweeds have been reported to possess biological activity of potential medicinal values. OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to establish the protective effects of PS extracted from Ulva lactuca against oxidative stress induced by Thiacloprid (THC) in the rat reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were exposed either to THC, THC + PS (100 mg/kg), or THC + PS (200 mg/kg). RESULTS: Our study showed that THC induced severe disorders in the functional sperm parameters. A decrease in antioxidant activities and their genes expression were observed in the same group, compared to the controls. Our molecular data showing also a severe DNA breakdown in the testis of THC treated group. Moreover, THC treated group showed severe histopathological changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that PS extracted from Ulva lactuca alleviated the THC induced reprotoxicity and reduced oxidative stress damages, DNA breakdown and histological injuries in the testis.

Increasing maneb doses induces reactive oxygen species overproduction and nephrotoxicity in adult mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the biochemical, molecular and histopathological aspects of the kidney injuries as well as the hematological perturbations induced after adult mice exposure to increasing doses of maneb (MB). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Adult mice were intraperitoneally treated for seven days with four graded doses of MB, corresponding to 1/8, 1/6, 1/4 and 1/2 of its lethal dose (LD50=1500 mg/kg body weight). RESULTS: Hematological analysis revealed a significant disruption in total white blood cells and platelets and a significant decrease in the plasmatic levels of ferrozine in mice treated with 1/8, 1/6 and 1/4 of MB LD50. However, the ferrozine levels increased significantly in the group treated with 1/2 of MB LD50. Evenly, our results showed a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, hydrogen peroxide and advanced oxidation protein products in all treated groups. The activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly in all MB treated mice. Additionally, all treated groups exhibited strong nephrotoxicity signs, including increases in plasma urea, creatinine and albumin levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity, as well as a significant decrease in uric acid levels. Electrophoresis analysis revealed nucleic acid degradation, testifying the genotoxicity of MB. Moreover, the histopathological observations showed severe renal injuries, which could be related to the above mentioned data. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed, for the first time, that the MB tested doses led to oxidative stress installation causing renal cell damages and lowering all defense systems capacities.